09-18 816
09-18 816
| Board of Vet. App. | Oct 31, 2017Background
- Veteran served 1968–1972 and appealed VA ratings for service‑connected cervical degenerative disc disease and bilateral upper‑extremity radiculopathy, and sought TDIU.
- Service connection for cervical spine originally granted with a 10% rating from Jan 3, 2007; temporary 100% from Jun 26–Dec 31, 2008 for surgery; 30% assigned from Jan 1, 2009. Separate grants for lumbar spine and bilateral radiculopathy were awarded later (effective May 6, 2015 for radiculopathy ratings).
- Multiple VA and non‑VA exams, MRIs, EMG studies, and treatment records document limited cervical ROM, pain, intermittent radicular symptoms, cervical fusion (Jun 26, 2008), and functional limitations affecting driving and heavy work.
- Board found pre‑June 26, 2008 cervical forward flexion ≈40° with severe pain/flare‑ups and concluded that overall picture more nearly approximated a 20% rating for the spine; post‑Jan 1, 2009 evidence did not show ankylosis or incapacitating episodes to support >30%.
- Board awarded initial 20% ratings for left and right upper‑extremity radiculopathy (effective Jan 3, 2007) and granted TDIU, leaving effective date for TDIU to the RO for development.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cervical spine rating prior to Jun 26, 2008 and since Jan 1, 2009 | Cervical pain, limited ROM, flare‑ups, and functional loss justify rating >10% pre‑surgery and >30% post‑2009 | Medical records and VA exams do not show ROM loss or ankylosis required for higher ratings or doctor‑prescribed bed rest | Granted 20% from Jan 3, 2007–Jun 25, 2008; denied rating >30% since Jan 1, 2009 |
| 2. Left upper extremity radiculopathy rating | Radicular pain, numbness, diminished reflexes support >20% | Examinations show mild incomplete paralysis/diminished reflexes consistent with 20% | Granted initial 20% from Jan 3, 2007; no higher rating warranted |
| 3. Right upper extremity radiculopathy rating | Similar radicular symptoms and functional loss as left side | Objective findings support only mild incomplete paralysis warranting 20% | Granted initial 20% from Jan 3, 2007; no higher rating warranted |
| 4. TDIU | Service‑connected spine and radiculopathy prevent substantially gainful employment (truck driving, maintenance) | Although schedular ratings low, evidence does not conclusively show unemployability due solely to service‑connected conditions | TDIU granted (RO to determine effective date) |
Key Cases Cited
- Hartman v. Nicholson, 483 F.3d 1311 (Fed. Cir.) (VA's duty to assist and notice standards when service connection already granted)
- Rice v. Shinseki, 22 Vet. App. 447 (Vet. App.) (TDIU claim is part of increased‑rating claim when reasonably raised)
- Gilbert v. Derwinski, 1 Vet. App. 49 (Vet. App.) (benefit‑of‑the‑doubt rule / weighing evidence)
- Mitchell v. Shinseki, 25 Vet. App. 32 (Vet. App.) (evaluating functional loss from pain and repetitive use under §§4.40/4.45)
- Correia v. McDonald, 28 Vet. App. 158 (Vet. App.) (requirements for range‑of‑motion testing in joint cases per §4.59)
- Palczewski v. Nicholson, 21 Vet. App. 174 (Vet. App.) (new exam not required solely by passage of time)
- Geib v. Shinseki, 733 F.3d 1350 (Fed. Cir.) (medical opinions not dispositive on unemployability; legal determination)
- Roberson v. Principi, 251 F.3d 1378 (Fed. Cir.) (Veteran need not show 100% unemployability for TDIU)